How this Man’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis Inspired Him to Change His Life: ‘I Feel Better Than I Have in 20 Years’

**Local Man Diagnosed with Rare Breast Cancer Shares His Journey of Hope and Resilience**

In a remarkable twist of fate, Paul Forgette, a 69-year-old landscaper from Upland, California, received a Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, coming fresh off a recent prostate cancer diagnosis. His journey sheds light on the often-overlooked reality of breast cancer in men, a diagnosis that typically occurs when the disease is at an advanced stage due to a lack of awareness and routine screening.

Less than one per cent of breast cancer diagnoses are in men, leaving many unaware that they can be affected by this serious health condition. Forgette’s experience is illustrative of this challenge. In November 2024, while preparing for surgery related to his prostate cancer, he discovered a lump in his chest which would turn out to be malignant. After a series of tests, doctors confirmed the diagnosis: Stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes and bones, leaving him in a precarious situation.

“I had not been to a doctor in nearly 20 years,” Forgette admitted. His health journey took a swift turn when he visited a urologist after being alerted to high PSA levels. A few days later, he found himself confronting an unforeseeable diagnosis. “When they said stage four breast cancer, I felt like I was pretty much sunk,” he recounted. Faced with this disheartening news, he sought a second opinion at City of Hope, a cancer treatment and research centre, where he promptly began chemotherapy.

At City of Hope, Forgette learned that he likely had the disease for several years, as many men do not routinely self-examine for breast cancer. “You hear that men can get it too, but it sounds like one of those bizarre anomalies,” he shared, illustrating the common misconception surrounding male breast cancer. His doctor noted that he was only the second male patient she had encountered with his specific type of breast cancer in three decades.

Initially, Forgette grappled with the stigma that can accompany his diagnosis. “My wife asked if I was embarrassed. I replied, ‘Not really’,” he said. He found a silver lining, noting the vast attention and funding breast cancer receives compared to other cancers. Forgette recalled light-hearted moments at the treatment centre, where staff occasionally mistook him for a companion of a female patient before realising he was there for himself.

Despite the challenges, Forgette has embraced a notably positive mindset. “I actually feel better now than I have in 20 years,” he stated, attributing his newfound energy to significant lifestyle changes. He opted for a diet focused on whole foods, eliminating sugar and processed items. Remarkably, he reported that his long-standing arthritis symptoms vanished within weeks of overhauling his eating habits, allowing him to reclaim a physicality he had lost.

In addition to dietary shifts, Forgette has dedicated himself to multiple fitness activities, from yoga to Pilates. His rigorous exercise regime complements his cancer treatment approach, with regular workouts helping to uplift his spirits. “I’m a landscaper, so I’m physically active, but this is different,” he explained, highlighting the importance of focusing on core strength workouts.

The support from family, friends, and health practitioners has also played an essential role in his outlook. “Once people learned about my diagnosis, they treated it like I was dying,” he observed, acknowledging the unexpected kindness that emerged. Forgette’s wife has been particularly supportive, preparing nutritious meals and ensuring he maintains a healthy routine.

Looking ahead, Forgette remains resolute and optimistic. “I tell myself that I won’t let this stop me. I have grandkids to help raise, and there’s so much I want to accomplish,” he exclaimed. He acknowledges that while the threat of cancer could be seen as overpowering, he has instead viewed it as a catalyst for appreciating life’s fleeting moments.

“Every hour of the day becomes precious,” he said, reflecting on how his illness has given him a heightened awareness of his surroundings and relationships. The simplicity of nature has taken on new meaning for him, as he finds beauty in everyday experiences. Forgette’s uplifting spirit persists even in the face of an unpredictable health trajectory, with the understanding that his cancer could mutate or resurface.

Empowered by his experience, Forgette has become a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. He encourages people to seek support and view their situations through a lens of positivity. “You’re the one holding the keys,” he emphasised, asserting that proactive health management is within everyone’s reach, regardless of their circumstances.

As he navigates life after his diagnosis, Forgette’s story serves as a reminder of resilience and the importance of community. Despite the odds stacked against him, he remains firm in his belief that laughter and positivity can flourish, even in trying times. In his own words, “I’m going to be one of those people they say is still here, 10 years down the line.”